Microsoft today launched a new service called MSN Video Downloads to provide daily television programming, including video content from MSNBC, Food Network, FOX Sports and IFILM, for download to Windows Mobile devices such as Portable Media Centers, smartphones and Pocket PCs.
More than 20 content partners have agreed to make video available for the Windows Mobile-based devices.
"The launch of Portable Media Centers in 2004 began a new era of portable entertainment, and today's announcement solidifies the continued momentum we've seen for portable video," said John Pollard, director of Windows Mobile Applications and Services Marketing at Microsoft. "With content from some of the most recognized brands in entertainment, MSN Video Downloads helps bring this vision to life, allowing people to take their favorite television shows with them whether they are on the train, waiting for a doctor's appointment, or keeping the kids occupied in the back seat of the car."
MSN Video Downloads is available for people in the United States. A one-year premium membership to the MSN Video Downloads service with access to all available videos is $19.95 (U.S.). In addition, people can access a limited amount of free content without a paid membership
The MSN Video Downloads service is designed to keep people better entertained and informed, wherever and whenever they want. With great content provided daily, such as sports highlights, news headlines, children's programming, music videos, independent films and comedy shows, MSN Video Downloads is one of the first online video download services dedicated to portable entertainment. In its debut, the MSN Video Downloads service was previewed at the 2005 International Consumer Electronics Show in January.
People subscribing to the premium service will be able to select the content they want to receive from the Web site. Digital videos are downloaded daily to a Windows Media® Player 10 library, ready to be synchronized with Portable Media Centers and other devices. The video content is compliant with PlaysForSure (TM) devices that play video, and is optimized for Portable Media Centers and compatible with Smartphones and Pocket PCs that support Windows Media Player 10 Mobile.
New with the final launch of the service is the ability to select the specific content downloaded to the subscriber's Windows® XP-based PC each day. Subscribers can also activate a new automatic deleting feature that specifies how long video from the MSN Video Downloads directory will remain on their PC, thus avoiding a large backlog of clips.
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